Team

About Kelsey

Kelsey takes pride in her strong relationships with clients and consultants. She credits her ability to continually learn and hone in on a client’s needs as one of the keys to providing quality solutions for the projects she’s a part of. She brings 15 years of experience from both sides of the design process – as a design professional, representing the client; and as a member of the client group, being an end user who works in the new spaces every day. While with her previous employer, Kelsey worked to create and implement a design standard to which future projects would be based upon, thus marketing a consistent image for her employer. In addition, she worked with community organizations on projects within the city, such as renovations in the historic downtown district and new construction buildings for the local university, reinforcing the relationship between the community and her employer.

What is your favorite podcast and why?

“I’m a total, coin-carrying (episode 156) nerd for “99% Invisible.” It’s a design-inspired podcast that uncovers the interesting backstories of common things. The topic range is broad; there are episodes on the design behind buildings, graphics, clothing, music, sports, lifestyle and, literally, so much more. Did you know basketball was designed without the shot clock (episode 77)? Did you know there was a fight over who was the creator of the wacky, waving inflatable tube man (episode 143)? Did you know there was an island in Massachusetts named Busta Rhymes Island (episode 103, not owned by Busta Rhymes)? Did you know foot selfies are a thing at the Portland International Airport because of its infamous carpet (episode 154)? I think one of my favorite episodes is #130 ‘Holdout’ which is about one woman who refuses to sell her property to a retail developer. She literally holds out until she passes away, despite the surrounding neighborhood being built up as towering retail on all sides. The episode highlights what started off as a forced, working relationship between the ‘holdout’ owner and the construction site supervisor then changes into friends who share lunch and eventually into a caregiver who grieves the loss of a friend. I’d be happy to recommend plenty of other episodes, too.”

What phase of a project is your favorite and why?

“The best phase of a project is construction. It’s a great feeling to have poured so much work into a project and have it finally come to physical ‘life’.”

Joined SVPA Architects

October 2016

Education

Iowa State University, Bachelor of Architecture, 2007

Professional Affiliations

American Institute of Architects (AIA), Member

Registrations

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, Certificate Holder

Licensed Architect in Iowa

U.S. Green Building Council LEED Accredited Professional, Building Design + Construction Specialty

Notable Project Experience

  • B.E. Smith Family Center, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, Merriam, KS
  • Bondurant-Farrar Community School District, High School Addition, Bondurant, IA
  • Brickhouse Fitness, Bondurant, IA
  • Central State Bank Main Office Remodel, State Center, IA
  • Connection Bank, Burlington, IA
  • Eagle Grove Community School District, Facilities Assessment, Eagle Grove, IA
  • Hubbell Realty
    • Birchwood Crossing
    • Crosswinds Business Park Buildings #1 & 2
    • Grimes Distribution Building #5
  • Northwest Bank, Ankeny, IA
  • City of Oskaloosa Early Childhood Center & YMCA
  • Oskaloosa Community School District, Elementary and High School Additions & Renovations, Oskaloosa, IA

I bring experience from both sides of the design process – as a design professional, representing the client; and as a member of the client group, being an end user who works in the new spaces every day.

- Kelsey A. Valley, AIA, LEED AP